United Arab Emirates
UAE Employment (Standard Residence) visa processing time
Employer-sponsored employment entry permits: 3–10 working days for the entry permit stage, plus medical + Emirates ID.
Typical window
3 days – 10 days
Government fees
Paid by employer; approximately AED 5,000–7,000 in total.
Last checked
20 April 2026
What drives the timeline
UAE Employment (Standard Residence) visa sits in the work sponsored category. Typical duration: 2 or 3 years, tied to employer.. Indicative government fees: Paid by employer; approximately AED 5,000–7,000 in total..
- Requires a sponsor.
- Non-settlement route.
- Suited for: Most UAE-employed workers.
Primary source
UAE Government Portal — Work visas
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/working-in-uae
Frequently asked questions
How long does the UAE Employment (Standard Residence) visa take to process?
Employer-sponsored employment entry permits: 3–10 working days for the entry permit stage, plus medical + Emirates ID. These figures come from UAE Government Portal — Work visas and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
Refer to the linked primary source for current priority / premium options; availability changes frequently and varies by consular post.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.